Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce… the name says it all! This tasty mayo-based sauce is all the rage in Hibachi restaurants, and once you make it at home, you’ll see why!

It’s just a quick stir of a few basic ingredients I already have on hand, then I’m all ready for unlimited dipping and drizzling.

It’s creamy, tangy, with just a hint of sweetness. The perfect blend to go alongside so many different things.

Creamy, pink sauces come in so many varieties. From my spicy Sriracha Mayo, to the mildly briny Utah Fry Sauce, to the bold and complex Louisiana Remoulade, we’ve made our share in the Gypsy Plate kitchen.

Yum yum sauce is another such condiment, and is becoming one of the most popular all across the country.

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum yum sauce is a simple sauce of mayo and a few other basic ingredients. Often called Japanese Steakhouse Sauce, it was invented in the 1980’s, and is now a staple in hibachi restaurants. Bottled varieties can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.

Despite that, the sauce is not Japanese at all. It’s origins trace to Albany, Georgia, where it was created by restauranteur Terry Ho. It is also called seafood sauce, white sauce, and Japanese steak sauce.

However, it goes so well with hibachi style meats and vegetables, it has become the condiment that Americans associate with Japanese steakhouses.

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Ingredients Needed

You will find exact measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here are the things you need:

• Mayonnaise – I use Dukes, but any of your favorite good quality mayo will do.
• Tomato Paste – It lends to the pink color.
• Melted butter – It makes the sauce extra special.
• Rice vinegar – For a little tang.
• Honey – For a hint of sweetness.
• Paprika – Regular, not smoked.
• Garlic Powder – Just a hint.
• Water – To make the sauce less thick.

Recipe Notes and Tips

1. Use good quality ingredients. This might go without saying, but it’s key for any homemade condiment.
2. I always taste and adjust the sauce. I can add honey to make it a little sweeter, or rice vinegar for more tang. It’s my yum yum sauce!
3. Add the water gradually. You may not need all of it, it’s just to give the sauce a smooth consistency.
4. Yum yum sauce is best served cold, so I chill it before serving.
5. Make it ahead of time. This sauce stores well, so if you love it like we do, make a big batch!

How to Use It

Yum yum sauce is the perfect accompaniment for Hibachi Chicken and vegetables, as well as shrimp. It’s also excellent as a dip for Karaage Chicken, which is a Japanese fried chicken dish.

It’s also great as a dip for so many of my favorite finger foods.

• Fries
• Latkes
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Tostones
• Sauerkraut Balls
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Onion Rings
• Sushi

Or, try slathering it on sandwiches, burgers or wraps. Get creative! Don’t just think of it as a Japanese steakhouse sauce… think of it as an anything sauce!

Give your taste buds a treat with this quick and easy Yum Yum Sauce recipe. You don’t need to make a trip all the way to the Japanese steakhouse whenever you get that desire to take a bite and say “YUM YUM”!

I have plenty more amazing dishes from all around the world coming your way. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you’re always in the loop. Until next time…

Yum Yum Sauce, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

Try these other easy and delicious condiments!
Teriyaki Sauce
Cilantro Mint Chutney
Peruvian Green Sauce
Dumpling Sauce
Garlic Aioli
Chimichurri
Chili Oil

Yum Yum Sauce

Yield: about 20 tablespoons

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is based on the popular condiment from Japanese steakhouse hibachi restaurants. It's such a great dipping sauce, you'll use it with everything!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Taste and adjust.
3. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7-10 days.

Notes

1. Leftovers and Storing: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, yum yum sauce is good for 7-10 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield 20 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 83Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 6mgSodium 75mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 0g

Nutrition information calculated by Nutritionix.

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Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.